An insider says, "He doesn't understand why Mike Tyson, a drug user [and convicted rapist, as EW.com points out] who turned his life around, was given a chance while Mel was kicked to the curb. Everybody deserves a second chance."

Gibson seemed to be making inroads on his career comeback -- after his public image was disastrously damaged over the summer by recordings of his angry rants to his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva -- however, the news of his casting in the 'Hangover' sequel was immediately followed by rumors of dissent among the cast. Gibson was swiftly dismissed, and the role of the tattoo artist went to Neeson.

In a statement, Neeson's rep (who also reportedly represents Gibson) winked at the controversy, saying that Neeson would be joining the actors on the 'Hangover 2' set "pending clearance of cast and crew background check."

The drama in Gibson's personal life is making fewer headlines these days, but is far from over. He and Grigorieva are battling over custody and support terms pertaining to their baby daughter, Lucia. The single mom recently called him a "depressed lunatic" in the press, and vehemently denies accusations of extortion, insisting that she had no choice but to record the Oscar winner's rages in order to document his threats.

On The Street: Do Celebs Like Mel and Lindsay Lohan Deserve Another Chance?

You don't want actors to revalt so I wasn't surprise that Mel wasn't going to be in The Hangover 2 when they said that Mel was going to be in the movie I thought it wasn't going to happen so I was proven right.

Mels' history in the past few years has diminished his career. He has lost the respect of the industry and even though I am not a fan of some of the Hangovers cast, I can see why the producers, etc. have rejected Mel. His last few picture attempts have failed miserably because of his actions in his personal life. They want another hit and having Mel Gibson in their cast may have proved disaster. It is sad.

Who cares? The original movie wasn't very good in the first place and this one can only be worse. The films made today are such a damn pathetic joke that if I were Gibson I would just retire with my millions and do something a little less mind numbing than hang around Hollywood.

I happen to like Mel Gobson..He messed up..ok..thats his personal life. He has made some of the greatest movies and I dont think mel needs to star in anyone elses movie..Besides, I wonder how many stars do adn go thru same personal stuff. Personaly..I'd give it to Mel rather than Tyson..

everyone deserves a chance to right their wrongs do they not?, if it were your son or daughter who did this would your attitude be the same ? c'mon people, easy now, the man needs help but don't give up hope please

I can't get past the mental image of his rage while the other child her son was in the room. I keep thinking how terrified that little boy must have been. Mel can go to hell, I'll never see another movie with him in it.

Most learn their lessons at a much younger age than he is. He let his fame go to his head and thought he could get away with anything and everything, hitting his child, degrading others... It's time he packed it in and moved on.

Hey Neb, you said it yourself, the man needs help. But there's the problem. He's NOT getting the help he needs because he is so self-centered that he thinks it's all somebody elses fault. Mel needs to get off his high horse, take responsibility for his actions, and get professional treatment for his behavioral problems.

why oh why do people have to drag obama into EVERYTHNG?i'm willing to bet that as a virulent anti-semetic, anti-woman, child abuser he would not have been an "obama supporter" to begin with AND he would be plenty unpopular to boot. try to focus on the issue at hand, and leave your own axe to grind at home.

Mel made his pigsty now let him wallow in it. The man has serious psychological problems and should not be near anyone until he goes for years of therapy. From his behavior to date, he may be a danger to the people around him. I know if I had to work with someone like him I would be nervous. He caused his own problems and now he must deal with the consequences.